Tuesday

Ashland Fire Department is working to ensure every child wakes up Christmas morning with a gift.

Through its Toys for Tots drive, the fire department is collecting new toys for children in need this season, continuing a tradition that started more than 30 years ago.

"Children have a special place in firefighters' hearts," Capt. Ken Gardner said.

All toys and money collected are donated to local service agencies -- Salvation Army, Associated Charities and Pump House Ministries. Already, the fire department has donated $300 to each charity.

All donations stay in Ashland County and benefit local families.

"As the need grows, we want to be able to grow and make sure this is a special time for everyone," Gardner said.

Gardner said during bad economic times, the spirit of the community really shows itself and Ashland always has made Toys for Tots a success.

"We're excited about this. It's nice to see the community come together," Gardner said. "We always seem to come up with the numbers and the toys we need."

As part of the Toys for Tots drive, firefighters will offer a Hometown Heroes specialty waiting event at Jakes. Firefighters will wait tables and accept donations for Toys for Tots. Anyone who donates a toy valued at $10 or more will receive a free appetizer.

Firefighters also participated in a Dining to Donate event at Applebee's on Dec. 13. All diners who brought in the Dining to Donate coupon printed in the Times-Gazette received 15 percent off their billd, and anyone who brought in a toy received a free dessert. During the event, Santa Claus passed out coloring books and candy to children.